Aniruddha Bahal

Biography

Aniruddha Bahal is an Indian journalist, writer, and media entrepreneur best known for his fearless investigative reporting and his role in transforming Indian journalism through digital and undercover media.

Born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Bahal graduated from Allahabad University and began his career as a journalist in the early 1990s. He worked with several leading publications before gaining national prominence as a co-founder of Tehelka, the groundbreaking investigative news portal launched in 2000.

Bahal became widely known for “Operation West End,” an undercover sting that exposed corruption in India’s defense deals and led to major political fallout. The sting marked a new era in Indian investigative journalism, introducing hidden-camera reporting and bold exposés that challenged power structures.

Beyond journalism, Bahal has pursued a successful writing career. His debut novel, Bunker 13, published in 2003, was a gritty military thriller that won the Bad Sex in Fiction Award for its audacious prose. He has also written The Emissary and contributed essays and articles to various publications.

In 2008, Bahal founded Cobrapost, another investigative media outlet known for high-impact sting operations and in-depth reports on issues like political corruption, financial fraud, and media ethics.

Throughout his career, Aniruddha Bahal has been recognized for his commitment to press freedom, innovative reporting methods, and his role in pushing the boundaries of Indian journalism. He continues to be a significant voice in media ethics and investigative reporting.